Assurances sought on fish workers

UK - A council is to seek assurances from Pan Fish ASA on Scottish fish farm jobs following fresh approval of the firm's planned takeover of a rival.

Pan Fish will control around 65% of the Scottish salmon farming industry if it merges with Marine Harvest.

The move has been given a provisional go-ahead by the Competition Commission. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) has been concerned about what impact the takeover will have on Scottish jobs.

Comhairle vice-convenor Angus Campbell said that "recent history" in salmon farming takeovers resulted in factory closures and huge redundancies and he would be opening discussions with Pan Fish's chief executive over their operations in the Western Isles.